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CLOSING THE SABBATH

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 27, 1860

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 2.

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CLOSING THE SABBATH.

By D. Hildreth

I RECENTLY stopped over the Sabbath with a brother in Illinois, and was much pleased with his manner of closing the Sabbath. A few minutes before the setting of the sun, the family were called together, a hymn was sung, and all engaged in prayer. When the exercises closed, the Sabbath was past, and the first day of the week had come. It occurred to me that this was a good way to close the Sabbath. As the time draws near for the sun to set the mind is apt to recur to worldly things, and it requires considerable effort to keep the thoughts where they should be, especially when there is a press of business. And if it is cloudy there is danger of infringing on the closing moments of the Sabbath. We do not wish to have it so, of course, but it is sometimes the case, and here is a perfect remedy. A few minutes before the sun sets call the family together, sing a good hymn, and all engage in the worship of God. If the thoughts are kept on heavenly things, without wandering, as they should be, when the devotions are closed the Sabbath will be past and worldly things can be attended to. A satisfaction will be felt in closing the Sabbath in this manner. Business can then be attended to with a cheerful assurance that the Lord is well pleased with us. I can but recommend this plan to those who wish to keep the fourth commandment in "letter and in spirit too."
D. HILDRETH.